The FUFA Big League 2025/26 season will officially commence on Sunday 28th September 2025 with matches taking place across the country. Last season the competition was won by Calvary FC Midigo who secured promotion to the Uganda Premier League after a remarkable campaign.
The opening day will see Paidha Black Angels SC host Nebbi Central FC at Bar Okoro Stadium in Zombo while Blacks Power FC will play Onduparaka FC at Ebenezer University Play Ground in Lira. Ntugasaze FC will face Kiyinda Boys FC at Mityana Ssaza Ground and Catda FC will take on Kigezi Homeboyz FC at Bugolobi Coffee Grounds. Iganga United FC will meet Mbale Heroes FC at Iganga Ssaza Grounds and Wakiso Giants FC will play Young Elephant FC at Wakisha Recreation Ground. Kaaro Karungi FC will host Bunyaruguru United FC at Kyamate Play Ground in Ntungamo while Kataka FC will welcome Soltilo Bright Stars FC to Mbale City Stadium. All matches will kick off at 4 pm.
The season will be played across several recognised venues, including Bar Okoro Stadium, Ebenezer University Play Ground in Lira, Mityana Ssaza Ground, Bugolobi Coffee Grounds, Iganga Ssaza Grounds, Wakisha Recreation Ground, Kyamate Play Ground in Ntungamo and Mbale City Stadium. Other confirmed venues are Luo Ground in Nebbi, Maroons Stadium in Luzira, Kigezi Al Madina Play Ground, Bethrem City Play Ground in Gayaza, Green Light Stadium in Arua and Nyamambuka Play Ground in Kasese.
The FUFA Club Licensing Committee Confirms 14 FUFA Big League Clubs for 2025/26 season following the deadline of 21st August 2025 when clubs were expected to submit all mandatory licensing requirements.
The clubs granted license are; Ntugasaze FC, Blacks Power FC, Kataka FC, Kiyinda Boys FC, Kigezi Homeboyz FC, Onduparaka FC, Wakiso Giants FC, Soltilo Bright Stars FC, Mbale Heroes FC, CATDA FC, Iganga United FC, Young Elephants Academy FC, Nebbi Central FC and Paidha Black Angels SC.
Two clubs, Bunyaruguru United FC and Kaaro Karungi FC, failed to submit the required documents and have not been granted license but have a right to appeal the decision by 27th August, 2025.
Stadiums were also assessed but the following venues were not approved-Ebenezer University Play Ground for Blacks Power FC, Bugolobi Coffee Grounds for CATDA FC, Iganga Ssaza Grounds for Iganga United FC, Luo Grounds for Nebbi Central FC, Kyamate Play Ground for Kaaro Karungi FC, Green Light Stadium for Onduparaka FC, Bar Okoro Stadium for Paidha Black Angels SC and Kyambura Play Ground for Bunyaruguru United FC.
A second inspection will be carried out between 24th -30th August 2025 before a final decision is made.
The FUFA Big League will expand to sixteen clubs starting with the 2025-2026 season, up from the previous fifteen.
In an official communication signed the FUFA Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson and addressed to the Chairman of the Northern Region Football Association (NRFA), reads;
‘This is to inform you that the FUFA Executive Committee has decided to increase the number of participating clubs in the FUFA Big League from fifteen (15) to sixteen (16) starting with the upcoming season. This decision was reached upon by the need to ensure parity and balance in the structure of the league.’
As part of this adjustment, the newly introduced 16th slot has been allocated to the Northern Region for the 2025–2026 season only.
The letter further highlighted FUFA’s intention to address disparities in regional club distribution, supporting the ederation’s commitment to equitable regional representation.
‘In line with FUFA’s commitment to equitable regional representation and in recognition of the current disparity in regional club distribution, the Executive Committee has allocated the 16th slot to the Northern Region Football Association (NRFA), for only the season of 2025–2026,’ the letter reads.
To maintain long term balance, FUFA will design a promotion format that ensures regional fairness in future promotions to the FUFA Big League.
The curtains have officially come down on a breathtaking 2024/25 FUFA Big League season, marked by promotion triumphs, relegation heartbreaks, standout individual performances and a remarkable goal-scoring finale.
Calvary FC Lifts the Title
Yumbe-based Calvary FC were officially crowned winners on Sunday, 22nd June 2025, following their narrow 1-0 victory over Paidha Black Angels in the West Nile derby the previous day. Despite rain delays at Midigo Primary School, the match was concluded, sealing Calvary’s place at the summit with 52 points.
Calvary are joined in promotion to the StarTimes Uganda Premier League by Gaddafi FC and Buhimba United Saints, who both finished just two points behind on 50.
Gaddafi ended their campaign with a commanding 3-0 away win over Kataka in Mbale. Jonathan Mbula (Congo), captain Thomas Kakaire, and seasoned striker Frank Kalanda all found the back of the net in a game played on a waterlogged surface following a pre-match downpour.
At the Barthlem playground in Kiwenda, Buhimba United Saints secured the point they needed in a goalless draw against Kiyinda Boys to confirm their return to top-flight football.
Relegation Woes for Former UPL Clubs
On the opposite end of the table, four clubs dropped into regional league football. Booma, Arua Hill, MYDA, and Busoga United were all relegated after a tense conclusion to the season.
Despite an astonishing 10-0 away victory over Booma, Arua Hill failed to escape the drop, finishing on 32 points — the same tally as MYDA. The Tororo-based side lost 1-0 to Kigezi Home Boyz in Kabale, with Joseph Sseremba scoring the decisive goal that ensured the Gorillas’ survival by a single point.
Busoga United, another former Uganda Premier League side, bowed out after a 2-0 defeat to Blacks Power in Lira. Nigerian forward Innocent Maduka netted a brace to cap off an impressive season for the Lira-based outfit, who finished fourth with 49 points — just three shy of the league winners.
Individually, the season belonged to Ntugasaze’s Lawrence Kambugu in the goal-scoring department. The graduate of the Rays of Grace Academy struck 15 times to claim the golden boot, including a final-day hat-trick in a 6-3 thriller against Kaaro Karungi in Ntungamo.
Kambugu’s exploits were not enough to push his side higher than 9th, but his performances remained one of the season’s bright spots.
Mr. Reliable: Joseph Sseremba
Special mention must be made of Kigezi Home Boyz forward Joseph Sseremba, who stepped up when it mattered most. His match-winning goal against MYDA ensured his club’s survival, and it capped off a season in which he contributed eight goals and six assists. Off the pitch, his leadership has also been widely praised.
The FUFA Big League Trophy has a rich story behind it, reflecting the spirit of competition and Uganda’s natural heritage. The trophy is designed to symbolise the strength and unity of teams competing in the league, drawing inspiration from the buffalo, a wild creature known for its tenacity and collective strength.
The design features handles shaped like buffalo horns, representing defence, power, and unity. The four-tier base takes cues from the buffalo’s body parts-the mouth and nostrils, while the trunk and upper layers resemble the forehead and nose bridge. Standing at 455mm tall, the new FUFA Big League Trophy is made in silver, representing prestige and purity.
FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein noted that the new design embodies the true spirit of competition and perseverance in the FUFA Big League, depicting the strength of each team and the famous wild creature, the buffalo. The trophy’s outline is composed of three main sections, with the top bulb gently curving upward and the middle trunk connecting the top and base through a sleek multi-level design.
The base is built with four slightly curving tiers, creating a well-built foundation, a metaphor for the league’s role in supporting football growth in Uganda.
The trophy’s handles are attached between the top bulb and the offset trunk tier, reinforcing the buffalo horn imagery while blending seamlessly with the body.
The FUFA Big League for the 2024/25 season showcases an intense battle among Uganda’s top second-tier teams as they vie for promotion to the Uganda Premier League. After Matchday 15, the standings are tight, with several clubs performing exceptionally well.
The Title Race
Gaddafi FC leads the table with 30 points after 14 matches. Their consistent performances, including 9 wins, 3 draws, and only 2 losses, have established them as serious contenders for promotion. Their impressive goal difference of +12 highlights a strong attack and solid defense. However, they cannot rest easy, as Blacks Power FC is just one point behind. Blacks Power has also managed 9 wins and 2 draws.
The Promotion Contenders
Calvary FC and Buhimba United Saints FC occupy third and fourth places, respectively. With 25 points, Calvary FC is still within striking distance of the top two spots. They have relied on a balanced approach, securing 7 wins and a respectable goal difference of +7. Buhimba United Saints FC, with 23 points, has been consistent but needs to convert more draws into wins if they are to challenge for promotion.
Mid-Table Battles
Teams like Onduparaka FC, Paidha Black Angels SC, and Kataka FC are clustered in the middle of the table. Onduparaka FC, sitting fifth with 22 points, has shown resilience. Paidha Black Angels and Kataka FC, both with 20 points, are in a tight race to climb higher. The crowded middle section of the table means these teams must maintain consistency to avoid falling behind.
The Strugglers
At the other end of the table, MYDA FC finds itself at the bottom with just 9 points from 14 matches. Their -8 goal difference underscores their defensive struggles, having managed only 2 wins this season. Booma FC, penalized with a 3-point and 3-goal deduction, is also languishing near the bottom with 13 points. Arua Hill SC and Kigezi Homeboyz FC are barely above them with 13 and 14 points, respectively, but they need significant turnarounds to avoid a relegation battle.
The Competitions Department has released fixtures for the 2024/2025 FUFA Big League Season
Matchday 1 – Sunday 6th October 2024, 4:00 PM
Blacks Power FC vs Arua Hill SC Kataka FC vs Busoga United FC Kaaro Karungi FC vs Gaddafi FC Kigezi Home Boyz FC vs Ntugasaze FC Kiyinda Boys FC vs MYDA FC Onduparaka FC vs Paidha Black Angels SC
Police FC are the Winners oc the 2023/24 betPawa Big League after edging Kataka FC on the final day of the season.
In the game played at Mbale Municipal Stadium, The Cops earned a hard fought 1-0 win thanks to the solitary goal from Isaac Ogwang at the stroke of halftime.
The game was graced by FUFA Executive Committee Members Rogers Byamukama and Rogers Mulindwa who oversaw the awarding ceremony.
Police FC ended the season with 56 points, three ahead of second placed Lugazi FC who also won their final game at Jinja North United FC 2-0.
Police FC, Lugazi FC and Mbale Heroes FC are the three teams that earn promotion to next season’s StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
Kyetume FC, Young Elephants FC, Jinja North United FC and Ndejje University FC on the other hand are relegated to their respective regional Leagues.
Denis Kalanzi of Police FC was named the most valuable player while Fahad Emurund from Lugazi FC took the golden glove with 12 clean sheets.
The top scorer’s award was taken by Dickson Niwamanya of Booma FC who finished with 16 goals including two on the final day.
Young Elephants FC were named the Fair Play Team of the season.
The 2023/24 betPawa Big League campaign will officially come to its conclusion this Sunday with six games lined up.
Police FC, Lugazi FC and Mbale Heroes FC have already secured promotion to StarTimes Uganda Premier League while Ndejje University FC, Jinja North United FC, Young Elephants FC and Kyetume FC were relegated to their respective FUFA Regional Leagues.
Two teams are still in contention for the League title and that is Police FC and Lugazi FC who play Kataka FC and Jinja North United FC respectively.
Table leaders Police FC make a long trip to Mbale City to face Kataka FC and only need a draw to claim the League crown.
On the other hand Lugazi FC must win and hope Police FC lose to Kataka FC.
Lugazi have better head to head statistics having won the first leg 1-0 at home with the second leg ending in a one-all draw in Kavumba.
Final Matchday Fixtures All games kickoff at 3PM EAT
Jinja North United FC vs Lugazi FC – Kyabazinga Stadium
Kigezi Home Boyz FC vs Booma FC – Kabale Municipal Stadium
Kataka FC vs Police FC – Mbale Municipal Stadium
Onduparaka FC vs Calvary FC – Greenlight Stadium
Kiyinda Boys FC vs Mbale Heroes FC – Bertham City Stadium
Kyetume FC vs Blacks Power FC – Nakisunga Ssaza Stadium
The FUFA Competitions Department has released the fixtures for the second round of the betPawa Big League that kicks off on Saturday, 24th February 2024.
The first round ended with Police FC topping the table with 31 points and was closely followed by Lugazi FC and Mbale Heroes FC with 29 points and 27 points respectively.
The table leaders host second-placed Lugazi FC at Lugazi Stadium as third-placed Mbale Heroes FC rest in wait for Young Elephants FC the following matchday.
FUFA and BetPawa Uganda entered a historic partnership worth 1.1 Bn Uganda Shillings (320,000 USD) on Wednesday, 6th September, which will see the latter become Uganda’s official football partner.
At a function held at Fairway Hotel in Kampala, this historic collaboration with the FA promises to reshape the landscape of Ugandan football.
This momentous partnership, worth UShs 1.18 billion ($320,000), signifies a shared commitment to nurturing local talent, enriching the fan experience, and uplifting football standards throughout Uganda.
Ntoudi Mouyelo, Managing Director at Mchezo Africa, which owns betPawa, expressed his excitement, stating,
“We are thrilled to collaborate with FUFA in accelerating the growth of Ugandan football. This partnership is a significant investment in our local players and teams, and together, we can enhance the experience for fans and players alike. We are creating more opportunities for all those involved in Ugandan football.”
The signing ceremony for this transformative partnership will mark the official launch of three sponsored properties for the FUFA 23/24 season: FUFA Drum, the betPawa BIG League, and the betPawa Futsal League.
FUFA President, Moses Hassim Magogo, echoed these sentiments, saying,
“This partnership marks a pivotal moment for Ugandan football. It is more than just financial support; it is a firm pledge to the future of our beloved sport, a promise to double down on our shared vision for progress.”
The overarching goals of this partnership are manifold: to nurture and cultivate more careers within Ugandan football, to activate and bolster existing fan bases while expanding their reach nationwide, and to motivate players with the Locker Room Bonus.
“Under this partnership, we are introducing the Locker Room Bonus, which offers players fast and direct benefits. The players who make the squad list per match will receive cash tokens sent to their phones after the game if their team wins. We are setting aside 25% of the value of this partnership towards this LRB,” explained Mouyelo on his part.
BetPawa’s track record of success in Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda highlights its ability to drive sports growth across Africa. In this new collaboration with FUFA, betPawa is dedicated to developing football infrastructure that benefits local communities and will take up Title Sponsorship of Futsal and the Big League to create an end-to-end football development pathway. The ultimate aspiration is to elevate the standard of football in Uganda.
A historic collaboration between betPawa (@betPawaUG) and the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) that promises to reshape the landscape of Ugandan football has been signed.#betPawaXFUFApic.twitter.com/hjcqBLMok9
This partnership represents a remarkable fusion of sports, business, and community development. As betPawa and FUFA combine their strengths, they are poised to inscribe a new chapter in the annals of Ugandan football history, with the ultimate objective of establishing Uganda as a footballing powerhouse on the African continent.
Benefits under the Futsal competition will include awards for MVP of the season, best goalkeeper, coach, player of the season, most assists, and young player of the season.
Similar award categories, supported by betPawa, will be given out in the Big League, as well as an overall token for the league’s winning team, which is among the four clubs that earn promotion to the country’s top-tier league at the end of each season.
Quotes
"It is a beautiful moment when we get a corporate partner that believes in our work. And they come to join us to add a brick or two to our development." – Rogers Byamukama, FUFA EXCOM Member in charge of Marketing@betPawaUGpic.twitter.com/AA46fa3hqJ
"I make this appeal to the public that this is our Country, it is our game. Let us support those who identify with our sport." – Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim, FUFA President#betPawaXFUFA | @betPawaUGpic.twitter.com/FkiGEtqDTy
"I am impressed on how organised FUFA is. I know what I am talking about is very small but it is very important. This is not a sponsorship but a partnership." – Ntoudi Moutelo, Managing Director at Mchezo Africa#betPawaXFUFA | @betPawaUGpic.twitter.com/ZfRfYtegcl
FUFA has issued Circular No. 1173 concerning regulations for development of players in line with the FUFA Hattrick for the next five years under the federation’s Technical Plan.
Following extensive consultations with stakeholders, the FUFA Executive Committee has now approved the release of updated regulations for immediate implementation.
The FUFA Deputy CEO Decolas Kiiza confirmed the latest development in a circular issued on Thursday evening;
‘FUFA wishes to thank all stakeholders that have effectively participated in the consultations and sharing feedback during the process of coming up with the final and updated regulations concerning development of players’
The regulations will be applied with immediate effect.
Victory over Kaaro Karungi FC by Kitara FC saw the latter crowned 2022/2023 league winners in a match that was held at Kigaaya Primary School Ground in Hoima as Match Day 30 came to an end. Kitara FC amassed a total of sixty-one points.
The lone goal that handed Kitara FC the trophy was scored by Paul Mucureezi from the penalty spot in the 36th minute.
Mbarara City FC came second with a total of sixty points while NEC FC was third with fifty-seven points.
Other Results
Kitara FC 1-0 Kaaro Karungi FC
Luweero United FC 3-2 Adjumani TC FC
Kyetume FC 4-2 Soroti City FC Mbarara City FC 3-0 Northern Gateway SC Ndejje University FC 1-0 Booma FC
FUFA Big League action enters matchday 20 and like the previous weeks, the fight to secure promotion slots goes on.
The top position has in the last two weeks oscillated amongst four teams including Kitara, NEC, Police FC and Mbarara City.
Therefore, as Kitara and NEC face off this Thursday at Bugolobi Coffee Ground, the target for either side will be to open up gap at the top.
The aforementioned two teams come into this game level on points (37) same as Police who are third.
Michael Lukyamuzi, the NEC FC head coach indicates they will treat this game like any other.
“The League is tight and every game comes with its own pressure. What we do is to prepare the players to go and fight for maximum points,” Lukyamuzi said.
“It is our first season in the FUFA Big League but we have the ability to overcome any opponent and at the moment we are looking at game per game.” He added.
His counterpart Sam Ssimbwa indicates he is not under pressure going into this game but will be hoping for a good result on the road.
“I expect a tough encounter against NEC. They are a good team and we must have a good approach to overcome them.”
The reverse fixture played at Kigaaya Primary School Playground saw Kitara win 2-0 with David Kasaija and Edson Agondeze scoring.
In the other games to be played on Thursday, Police visit Kyetume in Nakisunga. The latter lost their previous outing to Kaaro Karungi.
Calvary host Ndejje University, Kataka entertain Mbarara City who are just a point behind the leading pack.
Booma take on Adjumani TC while Kaaro Karungi make a daunting trip to Lira to face bottom placed Northern Gateway.
The battle for top spot in the FUFA Big League gets tighter every matchday with about four teams in contest.
Matchday 19 will not be any different this Thursday with Mbarara City, NEC, Kitara and Police all in action.
Second placed Mbarara City host leaders NEC in a top of the table clash at Kakyeka Stadium.
Ankole Lions played out a goalless draw at Lugazi in their previous outing, a result that saw them surrender the summit to NEC.
The Army side on the other hand edged past Ndejje University at home thanks to captain Marvin Kavuma’s sole effort.
NEC lead the table on 36 points, one above Mbarara City FC.
Third placed Kitara who have drawn all the three games in the second round will be hoping to secure their first win under new manager Sam Ssimbwa as they host Lugazi in Hoima.
Police FC in fourth place have the same number of points (34) as Kitara and victory at home against Calvary would brighten their hopes of returning to top flight football.
In the other games to be played on Thursday, Adjumani TC host Northern Gateway in a relegation six pointer.
Adjumani are second from bottom on 17 points, six above Northern Gateway who sit at the base of the log.
Luweero United host Jinja North United while Kaaro Karungi take on Kyetume FC.
Friday will see Ndejje University host Kataka while Kaaro Karungi will return to action on Sidnau against Luweero United.
NEC FC moved top of the table in the FUFA Big League after winning their game on Thursday.
The result against Ndejje University coupled with the rivals’ failure to pick maximum points sent the Army side top of the log.
In the game played at Coffee Ground, Bugolobi, captain Marvin Kavuma scored the lone goal to guide NEC to victory. This was his tenth of the season.
Ndejje University ended with a player less when Kipper Luwalo was shown marching orders.
The result moved NEC to 36 points, one ahead of second placed Mbarara City who were held to a goalless draw at Lugazi FC.
Kitara’s winless run in the second round continued with yet another draw. Matama Dickson scored for Jinja North United while George Ssenkaba got the goal for Kitara.
Kitara remain third on the table with 34 points same as Police FC who also played out a goalless draw away to Kataka FC in Mbale City.
Soroti City brightened their hopes of survival by beating bottom placed Northern Gateway 1-0 thanks to Denis Opio’s goal.
In the other games played on Thursday, Kyetume FC won 3-1 against Calvary FC, Booma FC outwitted Luweero United with a 4-2 victory while Kaaro Karungi secured a 2-1 win at home against Adjumani TC FC.
It should be noted that the top three at the end of the season qualify to the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
On the other hand, the bottom four get relegated to their respective regional leagues.
The Ankole Lions who defeated Jinja North United in the previous outing will hope to keep a firm grip at the summit as they visit Lugazi FC.
The addition of striker Jude Ssemugabi seems to have been timely with the lanky forward bagging a brace on his return to the club.
Second placed Kitara under the stewardship of Sam Ssimbwa travel to Jinja to take on Jinja North United.
Ssimbwa is yet to register a win in the League having drawn both against Northern Gateway and Booma.
NEC FC take on Ndejje University in Bugolobi hoping to keep their hopes alive. This will be the early kickoff on Thursday with coverage on FUFA Tv.
Elsewhere, Police face Kataka in Kavumba, Kyetume take on fourth placed Calvary FC in Nakisunga, Kaaro Karungi will be at home to Adjumani TC FC while Luweero United visit Booma FC.
In the other game that will be live on FUFA Tv, Northern Gateway in Lira City will host Soroti FC.
It should be noted that the top three teams will earn sporting promotion to the Uganda Premier League next season.
